Interesting study. Looking at the numbers the broad trend has been in a range from 1992. Over 4 yrs since 1988 there was a huge drop. But then it levelled out. Looks like it could be at a tipping point now, but could be at tipping point now...

Speaking from experience in Australia, a further consequence of helmet laws is that instead of people on bikes looking like they do on Amsterdamize and Copenhagen Cycle Chic, they look like total nobs with plastic hats and day-glo yellow hats.

I've read a ton about this topic to effectively argue with local helmet law -pushing politicians, so I guess you can call that cheating. I hope I was wrong, but if I was right, I'd like to donate my award to my greek competitor here - (s)he was close, and they need everything then can get right now. :)

Not on topic but related: there is a weekly traffic programme on Dutch public TV, for the last 17 years or so. This weeks' instalment focussed on twowheelers so a number of speeding motorbikes and scooters were caught. The policemen in the patrol car also watched cyclists go by and had little to say about them, but for one family - father, mother and child - passing by. "Look", said the man at the wheel,"that is how it should be, a responsible family group, all wearing helmets". I doubt that the man ever dons a helmet when he grabs his own bike ...

Kilometres cycled by Copenhageners so far today

Copenhagenize.com is the blog of Copenhagenize Design Company. Online since 2007 and highlighting the cycling life in Copenhagen and around the world.

40 years ago Copenhagen was just as car-clogged as anywhere else but now 41% of the population arriving at work or education do so on bicycles, from all over the Metro area. 55% of Copenhageners themselves use bicycles each day. They all use over 1000 km of bicycle lanes in Greater Copenhagen for their journeys. Copenhagenizing is possible anywhere.